Sadly, it was also the first time I was severely disappointed by a soft-shell jacket. It happened to be my second day on the job at Outside, and I, a giddy editorial assistant, just received my ...

As far as all-season wardrobe staples go, a quality soft shell jacket is hard to beat. Here are our favorite options for women. As anyone who owns a soft shell jacket will tell you, they are ...

Traditionally, you’d select an impermeable hard-shell jacket for rain or snow, while a breathable, insulated, but less water-resistant soft-shell is good for virtually any activity in other ...

Soft shell jackets such as the Patagonia Mixmaster ($299; www.patagonia.com) have a lot going for them. They re nearly impervious to wind, shed light rain and snow, breathe well, and offer a much ...